Action and Adventure HergÉ.The Adventures of Tintin: Volume 1. illus. by author. tr. by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper & Michael Turner. Little, Brown. 1994. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-316-35940-8. Gr 4-6–Children will love tagging along on the adventures of this young roving reporter and his precious dog, Snowy. The highly detailed descriptions of international sites will make the places come alive and transport young readers around the world. Kochalka, James. Pinky & Stinky. illus. by author. Top Shelf. 2002. pap. $17.95. ISBN 1-89183-029-5. Gr 3-5–In this typical good versus evil tale, two astronaut pigs want to search the moon but their plans are foiled by some human astronauts. A great story to spur conversations about pursuing one’s talents and how others may try to stop individuals from reaching their potential. Torres, J. The Collected Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures. 2002. $8.95. ISBN 1-92999-820-1.
––––. The Collected Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures Volume 2. 2005. $11.95. ISBN 1-93266-425-4. ea vol: illus. by J. Bone. Oni. pap. Gr 4-5–Her archaeologist mother and superhero father allow Alison to get whatever she wants, even if it means zapping her friends from their homes to wherever she happens to be in the world! In the second book, the young heroine and her boarding school friends battle the Blue Scarab and go on museum adventures with mom. Humor Davis, John. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Tinkering with Destiny. illus. TokyoPop. 2003. pap. $1.25. ISBN 1-59182-401-X. Gr 4-5–Packed with the same action and adventure as the animated TV show, this cine-manga-style book will attract fans of the series. All of the illustrations are screen shots or cells used in the making of the popular cartoon. Gaiman, Neil. The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish. illus. by Dave McKean. HarperCollins. 2004. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-058701-6. Gr 3-5–In this aptly titled, humorous book, a child desires a pet goldfish and is willing do anything to achieve this goal. Hillenburg, Stephen. SpongeBob SquarePants: Crime and Funishment. illus. TokyoPop. 2004. pap. $7.99. ISBN 1-59182-576-8. Gr 3-5–This cine-manga adaptation of the extremely popular children’s television show is a great selection for students who enjoy watching SpongeBob and his crazy, ocean-dwelling friends on TV. Huey, Debbie. Bumperboy Loses His Marbles! illus. by author. Adhouse. 2005. pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-976-66100-4. Gr 2-4–Bumperboy of Bubtopia wants to compete in the big marble championship but has lost all of his precious tiny balls. To make matters worse, his lucky marble is in the hands of his enemy. Kochalka, James. Peanutbutter & Jeremy’s Best Book Ever! illus. by author. Alternative Comics. 2003. pap. $14.95. ISBN 1-89186-746-6. Gr 4-5–Peanutbutter the cat and Jeremy the crow are the stars in this amusing tale of friendship filled with silly tricks. The format, a collection of short stories, will empower children to finish this “thick book.” Peterson, Scott. Disney Classic Cartoon Tales. illus. Disney. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-7868-3517-6. Gr 2-5–Children will be familiar with the characters in this collection of short stories but they will find all new plots to keep them entertained. Fantasy Burton, Tim. Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas. illus. Disney. 2005. pap. $8.99. ISBN 0-7868-3849-3. Gr 4-5–Students will enjoy this manga version of the popular movie. The artwork will transport them right back to Halloweentown and to the plot to ruin Christmas by kidnapping Santa. Larson, Hope. Salamander Dream. illus. by author. AdHouse. 2005. pap. $15. ISBN 0-972-17949-6. Gr 4-6–Over many years, Hailey goes into the magical woods and shares her beliefs in magic and hope with a girl she meets named Salamander. Each summer, the girls take turns telling stories, which in turn, follow Hailey’s development from a child to a young woman. Smith, Jeff. Bone: Out from Boneville. illus. by author. Graphix. 2005. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-439-70623-8. Gr 4 Up–This witty tale of friendship and adventure, republished with full-color illustrations by Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint, is a perfect book for all ages. Folktales Atangan, Patrick. The Yellow Jar: Volume I: Two Tales from Japanese Tradition. illus. by author. NBM. 2002. Tr $12.95. ISBN 1-56163-331-3. Gr 5 Up–Done in the traditional Japanese woodblock style, this beautiful adaptation of two folktales is so well done that it could be used in art class to model Japanese drawing techniques. Friendship Stories Gownley, Jimmy. Amelia Rules! The Whole World’s Crazy. 2005. ISBN 1-59687-819-3.
––––. Amelia Rules!: What Makes You Happy. 2004. ISBN 0-7434-7909-2. ea vol: illus. by author. ibooks. pap. $14.95. Gr 3-5–Fourth-grader Amelia has a crazy life living with her recently divorced mother and Aunt Tanner. She also has some nutty friends that are written so true to life, readers will swear that they know some of them. Minsky, Terri. Lizzie McGuire, Vol. 1. illus. TokyoPop. 2003. pap. $7.99. ISBN 1-59182-147-9. Gr 4-5–Presented in cine-manga style, in which the illustrations are screen shots or cells used in the making of the television show, this book typifies Lizzie’s life with all of its conflicts among her girlfriends and family members. Runton, Andy. Owly Volume 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer. 2004. ISBN 1-89183-062-7.
––––. Owly Volume 2: Just a Little Blue. 2005. ISBN 1-89183-064-3. ea vol: illus. by author. Top Shelf. 2004. pap. $10. K Up–These two nearly wordless graphic novels tell of the adventures of an owl who just wants to make friends with those needing his help the most in the little woods where he makes his home. Science Fiction Kochalka, James. Monkey vs. Robot. 2000. $10. ISBN 1-89183-015-5.
––––. Monkey vs. Robot and the Crystal of Power. 2003. $14.95. ISBN 1-89183-036-8. ea vol: illus. by author. Top Shelf. pap. Gr 3-5–In these stories that exemplify a nature-versus-technology theme, a robot is out to ravage the habitat of a monkey, and an all-out war ensues between them. This is a great book for classroom discussions about the ecological effects of human intervention. Superheroes Beatty, Scott. JLA: The Ultimate Guide to the Justice League of America. DK. 2002. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-7894-8893-0. Gr 4-6–Teachers and librarians will need this guide more than their students so they can catch up on all of the superheroes and their powers, rivals, and allies. Youngsters will love reading about the history of the characters as well as seeing the original art. Buckley, James. Creating the X-Men: How Comic Books Come to Life. illus. DK. 2000. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7894-6694-5. Gr 2-3–This easy-to-read chapter book employs the graphic novel format to explain the process of how X-Men comics are created, from initial concept through design to bookstore display. Dini, Paul. Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth. illus. by Alex Ross. DC Comics. 2001. pap. $20. ISBN 1-56389-861-6. Gr 4-5–The beautiful artwork in this oversized graphic novel depicts the origins of this superheroine and how her quest for truth also promotes justice for evil crime doers. Gallagher, John. Buzzboy: Trouble in Paradise. 2002. ISBN 0-972-18310-8.
––––. Buzzboy: Monsters, Dreams & Milkshakes. 2003. ISBN 0-972-18311-6. ea vol: illus. Sky Dog Press. pap. $11.95. Gr 4-5–These pop-culture-infused series entries feature a superhero-like character who enjoys milkshakes and too many hamburgers. Buzzboy is a crime fighter who would rather eat than fight. Hibbert, Clare. Wonder Woman’s Book of Myths. illus. DK. 2004. pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-7566-0242-4. Gr 2-3–The Amazonian heroine shares her favorite stories of Greek gods and goddesses with young readers in this beginning chapter book. Weigel, Jeff. Atomic Ace: (He’s Just My Dad). illus. by author. Albert Whitman. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-3216-9. Gr 4-5–Told from the point of view of the middle school-aged son of a superhero, this story shows how the boy deals with his own emotions about his busy Dad, who misses band concerts and other family events. But the boy realizes that his father’s responsibilities of helping others can also be a source of pride.
Graphic Novels for Elementary Age Children
Action and Adventure
HergÉ. The Adventures of Tintin: Volume 1. illus. by author. tr. by Leslie Lonsdale-Cooper & Michael Turner. Little, Brown. 1994. Tr $18.99. ISBN 0-316-35940-8.
Gr 4-6–Children will love tagging along on the adventures of this young roving reporter and his precious dog, Snowy. The highly detailed descriptions of international sites will make the places come alive and transport young readers around the world.
Kochalka, James. Pinky & Stinky. illus. by author. Top Shelf. 2002. pap. $17.95. ISBN 1-89183-029-5.
Gr 3-5–In this typical good versus evil tale, two astronaut pigs want to search the moon but their plans are foiled by some human astronauts. A great story to spur conversations about pursuing one’s talents and how others may try to stop individuals from reaching their potential.
Torres, J. The Collected Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures. 2002. $8.95. ISBN 1-92999-820-1.
––––. The Collected Alison Dare: Little Miss Adventures Volume 2. 2005. $11.95. ISBN 1-93266-425-4. ea vol: illus. by J. Bone. Oni. pap.
Gr 4-5–Her archaeologist mother and superhero father allow Alison to get whatever she wants, even if it means zapping her friends from their homes to wherever she happens to be in the world! In the second book, the young heroine and her boarding school friends battle the Blue Scarab and go on museum adventures with mom.
Humor
Davis, John. The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron Boy Genius: Tinkering with Destiny. illus. TokyoPop. 2003. pap. $1.25. ISBN 1-59182-401-X.
Gr 4-5–Packed with the same action and adventure as the animated TV show, this cine-manga-style book will attract fans of the series. All of the illustrations are screen shots or cells used in the making of the popular cartoon.
Gaiman, Neil. The Day I Swapped My Dad for Two Goldfish. illus. by Dave McKean. HarperCollins. 2004. Tr $16.99. ISBN 0-06-058701-6.
Gr 3-5–In this aptly titled, humorous book, a child desires a pet goldfish and is willing do anything to achieve this goal.
Hillenburg, Stephen. SpongeBob SquarePants: Crime and Funishment. illus. TokyoPop. 2004. pap. $7.99. ISBN 1-59182-576-8.
Gr 3-5–This cine-manga adaptation of the extremely popular children’s television show is a great selection for students who enjoy watching SpongeBob and his crazy, ocean-dwelling friends on TV.
Huey, Debbie. Bumperboy Loses His Marbles! illus. by author. Adhouse. 2005. pap. $7.95. ISBN 0-976-66100-4.
Gr 2-4–Bumperboy of Bubtopia wants to compete in the big marble championship but has lost all of his precious tiny balls. To make matters worse, his lucky marble is in the hands of his enemy.
Kochalka, James. Peanutbutter & Jeremy’s Best Book Ever! illus. by author. Alternative Comics. 2003. pap. $14.95. ISBN 1-89186-746-6.
Gr 4-5–Peanutbutter the cat and Jeremy the crow are the stars in this amusing tale of friendship filled with silly tricks. The format, a collection of short stories, will empower children to finish this “thick book.”
Peterson, Scott. Disney Classic Cartoon Tales. illus. Disney. 2005. Tr $14.99. ISBN 0-7868-3517-6.
Gr 2-5–Children will be familiar with the characters in this collection of short stories but they will find all new plots to keep them entertained.
Fantasy
Burton, Tim. Tim Burton’s the Nightmare Before Christmas. illus. Disney. 2005. pap. $8.99. ISBN 0-7868-3849-3.
Gr 4-5–Students will enjoy this manga version of the popular movie. The artwork will transport them right back to Halloweentown and to the plot to ruin Christmas by kidnapping Santa.
Larson, Hope. Salamander Dream. illus. by author. AdHouse. 2005. pap. $15. ISBN 0-972-17949-6.
Gr 4-6–Over many years, Hailey goes into the magical woods and shares her beliefs in magic and hope with a girl she meets named Salamander. Each summer, the girls take turns telling stories, which in turn, follow Hailey’s development from a child to a young woman.
Smith, Jeff. Bone: Out from Boneville. illus. by author. Graphix. 2005. Tr $18.95. ISBN 0-439-70623-8.
Gr 4 Up–This witty tale of friendship and adventure, republished with full-color illustrations by Scholastic’s graphic novel imprint, is a perfect book for all ages.
Folktales
Atangan, Patrick. The Yellow Jar: Volume I: Two Tales from Japanese Tradition. illus. by author. NBM. 2002. Tr $12.95. ISBN 1-56163-331-3.
Gr 5 Up–Done in the traditional Japanese woodblock style, this beautiful adaptation of two folktales is so well done that it could be used in art class to model Japanese drawing techniques.
Friendship Stories
Gownley, Jimmy. Amelia Rules! The Whole World’s Crazy. 2005. ISBN 1-59687-819-3.
––––. Amelia Rules!: What Makes You Happy. 2004. ISBN 0-7434-7909-2. ea vol: illus. by author. ibooks. pap. $14.95.
Gr 3-5–Fourth-grader Amelia has a crazy life living with her recently divorced mother and Aunt Tanner. She also has some nutty friends that are written so true to life, readers will swear that they know some of them.
Minsky, Terri. Lizzie McGuire, Vol. 1. illus. TokyoPop. 2003. pap. $7.99. ISBN 1-59182-147-9.
Gr 4-5–Presented in cine-manga style, in which the illustrations are screen shots or cells used in the making of the television show, this book typifies Lizzie’s life with all of its conflicts among her girlfriends and family members.
Runton, Andy. Owly Volume 1: The Way Home & The Bittersweet Summer. 2004. ISBN 1-89183-062-7.
––––. Owly Volume 2: Just a Little Blue. 2005. ISBN 1-89183-064-3. ea vol: illus. by author. Top Shelf. 2004. pap. $10.
K Up–These two nearly wordless graphic novels tell of the adventures of an owl who just wants to make friends with those needing his help the most in the little woods where he makes his home.
Science Fiction
Kochalka, James. Monkey vs. Robot. 2000. $10. ISBN 1-89183-015-5.
––––. Monkey vs. Robot and the Crystal of Power. 2003. $14.95. ISBN 1-89183-036-8. ea vol: illus. by author. Top Shelf. pap.
Gr 3-5–In these stories that exemplify a nature-versus-technology theme, a robot is out to ravage the habitat of a monkey, and an all-out war ensues between them. This is a great book for classroom discussions about the ecological effects of human intervention.
Superheroes
Beatty, Scott. JLA: The Ultimate Guide to the Justice League of America. DK. 2002. Tr $19.99. ISBN 0-7894-8893-0.
Gr 4-6–Teachers and librarians will need this guide more than their students so they can catch up on all of the superheroes and their powers, rivals, and allies. Youngsters will love reading about the history of the characters as well as seeing the original art.
Buckley, James. Creating the X-Men: How Comic Books Come to Life. illus. DK. 2000. Tr $12.95. ISBN 0-7894-6694-5.
Gr 2-3–This easy-to-read chapter book employs the graphic novel format to explain the process of how X-Men comics are created, from initial concept through design to bookstore display.
Dini, Paul. Wonder Woman: Spirit of Truth. illus. by Alex Ross. DC Comics. 2001. pap. $20. ISBN 1-56389-861-6.
Gr 4-5–The beautiful artwork in this oversized graphic novel depicts the origins of this superheroine and how her quest for truth also promotes justice for evil crime doers.
Gallagher, John. Buzzboy: Trouble in Paradise. 2002. ISBN 0-972-18310-8.
––––. Buzzboy: Monsters, Dreams & Milkshakes. 2003. ISBN 0-972-18311-6. ea vol: illus. Sky Dog Press. pap. $11.95.
Gr 4-5–These pop-culture-infused series entries feature a superhero-like character who enjoys milkshakes and too many hamburgers. Buzzboy is a crime fighter who would rather eat than fight.
Hibbert, Clare. Wonder Woman’s Book of Myths. illus. DK. 2004. pap. $3.99. ISBN 0-7566-0242-4.
Gr 2-3–The Amazonian heroine shares her favorite stories of Greek gods and goddesses with young readers in this beginning chapter book.
Weigel, Jeff. Atomic Ace: (He’s Just My Dad). illus. by author. Albert Whitman. 2004. Tr $15.95. ISBN 0-8075-3216-9.
Gr 4-5–Told from the point of view of the middle school-aged son of a superhero, this story shows how the boy deals with his own emotions about his busy Dad, who misses band concerts and other family events. But the boy realizes that his father’s responsibilities of helping others can also be a source of pride.